that is preferable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that is preferable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a preference for one option over another in a discussion or decision-making context. Example: "In this situation, I believe that is preferable to choose the more sustainable option."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Few cities in the United States have a local newspaper that is preferable to USA Today.

The New Yorker

The modest-sized wine list sports a selection that is preferable to those I have seen on lists many times its size.

The New York Times

I agree that Joni Mitchell's "Travelogue" poses problems for the listener, the biggest being that, lovely as the music is, there is not one song that is preferable to Ms. Mitchell's original versions.

The New York Times - Arts

But it represents a vision of global, open cooperation that is preferable to the ruthless and shortsighted jockeying for advantage represented in their different ways by both the Chinese government and Senator Cruz.

The Guardian - Opinion

Even the correction of proof sheets in the printing house could further corrupt the text, since such correction was usually effected without reference to the author or to the manuscript copy; when both corrected and uncorrected states are still available, it is sometimes the uncorrected version that is preferable.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The integrated planar lightwave circuit (PLC) technology enables us to obtain a compact sensor that is preferable for the practical use.

Physics Procedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

If you scorch the rind, that's preferable.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Could that revenue be taxed in ways that are preferable from the standpoint of equity and economic effects?

Encyclopedia Britannica

The CNTs as carbon allotropes illustrate the amazing mechanical, chemical, and electrical properties that are preferable for use in biosensors.

Nanoscale Research Letters

That's the standard that's preferable to the marriages (and engagements) in this show -- what a high bar.

Huffington Post

One research group has been exploring cannabis types and cannabinoid concentrations that are preferable depending on one's sleep disturbance.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that is preferable" to clearly indicate a recommended course of action, especially when comparing options. Be sure to specify the context that makes it preferable.

Common error

While grammatically correct, overuse of "that is preferable" in casual conversation can sound stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "that's better" or "I'd prefer that" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that is preferable" functions as a predicate adjective phrase. It expresses a judgment or opinion about the desirability of something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English to indicate a preference.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

29%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that is preferable" serves to express a preference or recommendation, highlighting that one option is better or more suitable than another, as validated by Ludwig AI. While grammatically sound and versatile, it’s best suited for neutral to formal contexts. When writing, remember to specify the reasoning behind the preference for clarity. While commonly used, consider simpler alternatives in casual conversations to avoid sounding stilted. This phrase appears in various contexts, with a stronger presence in scientific and news-related articles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that is more desirable

Emphasizes the desirability aspect of the preference, suggesting something is wanted or wished for more.

that would be better

Focuses on the comparative improvement achieved by choosing one option over another.

that is a better choice

Highlights the act of selecting the superior option.

that is the preferred option

Stresses that the option is favored, possibly by an individual or group.

that is advisable

Suggests that a course of action is recommended due to its prudence or benefits.

that is advantageous

Highlights the benefits and positive outcomes of selecting a particular option.

that is recommended

Indicates a formal suggestion or endorsement of a particular choice.

it is superior to

Directly compares two options, stating that one is better than the other.

it's a step up from

Indicates that something represents an improvement from the original option

that holds more appeal

Suggests the subject is more attractive or interesting than another alternative

FAQs

How can I use "that is preferable" in a sentence?

Use "that is preferable" to express a preference for one option over another. For instance, "In this situation, "that is preferable to choose" the more sustainable option".

What can I say instead of "that is preferable"?

Alternatives include "that is more desirable", "that would be better", or "that is a better choice", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "that is preferable"?

Yes, "that is preferable" is grammatically correct and widely used in formal and semi-formal contexts to indicate a preferred option.

What's the difference between "that is preferable" and "that is preferred"?

"That is preferable" indicates a subjective judgment of which option is better, while "that is preferred" simply states which option is chosen or liked more, without necessarily implying a judgment of superiority. The nuance can be subtle, but "preferable" often carries a stronger sense of reasoned assessment.